Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-05-12
Charles Summers Kindness.

do remember Andrew j. Roberts ?"
quoth an old state politician. eyes. He
had @ checkered career, poor man. But
with all his shortcomings he was bright
indeed brilliant-nan. He was great
politician years ago, and not only took
extraordinary interest III the great quest
tions of the day, bat knew intimately all
the public men. Ke was we'll read, intelli-
gent, and good talker, but he had a
failing. He could not be depended UPON
and at times was helpless.
''He used to hang around the state rep
ublican headquarters from morning till
night throughout the campaign, and
campaigns lasted in those days nearly
Eve months. 1t was during the anti-slavery
days, when everybody was at the highest
state Of excitm ent. [ remember ore day
III particular, when number of proinin-
enent politicians were assembled at head
quarters, among then Charles Sumner and
Henry Wilson. Sumner was in the rear
room, Wilson in front. In walked Roberts
He talked in loud voice and disturbed
the whole assa rnbly- Stepping into the rear
room he esp5ed Sumner engaged in close
conversation with friend. Giving him a
tremendous slap on the shoulder he
sboGted; D you, Sumner, how are your
your friend Wilson?
"'T The effect of thIs rough handling can
readily be imagined ssby those who pemem-
her or have1ead of the dignified and schol-
arly. It was not only shock, but an in
s0ft. Sumner said Gothing. He realized
Roberts condition and wisely kept mis-
place. Roberts wasrse yerely Repri@anded
aad turned out of the room.
off WAS not IOuo ftar tbiS hot 20
came to want and grief. He wassaetually
destitute. HE locked hungry and Yves
poorly clad. In despair he came to ne one
day for advice. The big tears rolled down
his face das he toldsRle how destitute and
degraded he was,aad how he Ionged to
reform. told him had no work and I'D
ylsed him to go to Sumner.
EGO to Sumner ,he cried? @Oh nc I in
sGlted Sumner a-abort time ago. z can't
GO"
@'tYes you can G4said. Go to him 5ast,es
yea have come to sEae. Tell him frankly
the whole story, and he will help yoa.'
Roberts did as [ advised About 10
O'Clock the next neening he butto&ed his
shabby coat around his neck, to hide his
flannel shirt, and made bis way to the man
he had grossly insIlted out short time
ago. Sumner it is well known was, was al
ways late riser, and seldom breakfasted
before IL o'clock. Re recseved the IN
fortunate nnan kindly and inviting kim to
break fast listened patiently to his story.
Roberts told me afterwards that that was
the first SO uare mesi he had eate2 in
long time In less than two days Roberts
was given position in the navy-yard,
and theneefocward YVES different man.
When he told me his later experience
that morning his eyes filed with tears
and his lips Srembie9 with emotion. 1t
was a magnanieus act 0n the part of Sum
ner, and an outward expression Of his
true character. It was Sae turning point
in Roberts carrier. Only few months ago
he delivered one of the best temperance
speeches ever heard IL my life. Up to
the day of his death which occurred quite
recently he had great vezneration for the
memory of Sumner, the nam who was so
kind and generous TO him in time of
trouble.